How To Care For Wool Blankets

Many customers ask us whether wool blankets can be machine-washed, how often they should be cleaned, and the best way to store them. The good news is that wool blankets are surprisingly low-maintenance and require far less washing than most people think.

With over ten years of experience designing and producing hand-woven blankets for homes and hotels, we have put together a simple guide on how to care for them.

Wool doesn’t require frequent washing because its anti-static properties help minimise the build-up of dirt and dust compared with other fabrics.

Its surface is made up of microscopic fibres arranged like overlapping scales. As a result, any dirt it picks up tends to remain on the surface rather than becoming embedded in the fabric.

Unlike synthetic fibres, wool doesn’t retain odours. This means it stays fresher for longer and doesn’t need washing as often.

These natural properties are one reason why quality wool blankets often last for decades when properly cared for. In my grandmother’s day, people considered wool blankets easy to care for and often passed them on to the next generation. This tradition demonstrates the resilience and durability of wool blankets.

Removing Dust

If your blanket is a little dusty, simply give it a good shake outside.

Alternatively:

• Lightly run a vacuum cleaner over the surface of the blanket.
• Hold the nozzle just above the blanket to avoid pulling the fabric.
• Keep the suction on the lowest setting.

Stain Removal

Act fast.

• Spot-clean immediately with a wool-safe liquid detergent.
• Avoid bleach or scrubbing, as this can damage the fibres.
• Make sure you remove all soap residue after cleaning.
• Lay the affected area on a towel and place another towel on top to absorb excess liquid.
• Do not tumble dry.

Once most of the moisture has gone:

• Hang the blanket over a clothes horse or washing line to dry.
• Avoid direct sunlight, as this may cause the colours to fade.

Washing

Wash sparingly. We advise taking a leaf out of your grandmother’s housekeeping book and only washing wool blankets when they become heavily soiled.

You can machine-wash our wool blankets at 30°C on the lowest spin cycle. Do not exceed this temperature, as heat can cause shrinkage and make the fibres felt.

When washing:

• Wash separately in a large machine.
• Use a wool-safe liquid detergent.
• If your blanket has pom-poms or fringing, place it inside an old duvet cover to protect it during washing.

After washing:

• Fold the blanket flat and sandwich it between two towels to absorb excess moisture.
• Change the towels a few times if necessary.
• Hang the blanket out to dry.
• Avoid direct sunlight.

Additional care instructions:

• Do not tumble dry.
• Iron on a low setting and never when wet.
• You can also dry-clean our blankets.

Storage

• When not in use, store in a cotton bag or container.

This advice is based on our hand-woven,wool blanket collection.

For more information on wool blankets, check out the benefits of sleeping under this durable, breathable, sustainable, natural fibre. and discover how our grandmothers took care of their wool blankets